Gillian shaves off her hair for Macmillan

Gillian Coates

Published:12:30Sunday 04 October 2015

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Courageous Hillhall woman Gillian Coates has got a special hair cut with a difference after the mother-of-two gave her husband Raymond permission to cut off her long mane which helped to raise over £3,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gillian ran a fundraising night at Ballylesson in memory of her uncle, Willy Stewart from Saintfield, described as a ‘true gentleman’ who passed away due to cancer, a few years ago.

As Raymond, shaved his wife’s hair her two children Jade (13) and Lydia (8) sat by her for support.

Raymond said, “It was a very emotional night which included a raffle and auction for us all.

“We are all very proud of Gillian as she has been looking to do something to raise money for charity for the past few years.

“She said herself she cannot run, she would not raise enough from a coffee morning but eager to raise money for cancer charity.

“She was eager to do something different so she decided to cut off her hair.”

Raymond went onto say, “The planning and work Gillian put in was incredible and was supported fantastically by her family.”

Gillian spoke to local businesses in Lisburn and Belfast while her mum, Marjorie from Ballynahinch, contacted businesses in Downpatrick, Saintfield and Crossgar.

She received 87 prizes for the raffle and a 12 items were also put up for auction.

Her cut off pony tail is being donated to the Little Princess charity.

The night was held in Ballylesson Band Hall, and attended by over 100 people.

“As Gillian was getting her head shaved the crowd was silenced and it became very emotional as we remembered loved ones and indeed people in the support who are struggling with cancer,” said Raymond.

“Entertainment on the night was very generously donated by DJ Marcos.

“Gillian is very humbled by the support she received and would like to thank everyone for their generous donations.”

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